Road accidents claimed 41 deaths on the first day of the seven-day road safety campaign from Dec 28-Jan 3.

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BANGKOK – On the first of “7 Dangerous Days” Thailand’s Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Friday (Dec 29) that on Dec 28, the first day of the campaign, a total of 477 cases of traffic accidents were reported with 41 people killed and over 500 injured.

He said drink driving accounted for 42.77% of total cases, followed by speeding 26%.

Motorcycle is the vehicle that involved in most fatal cases, he said.

He said Chiang Mai recorded the highest road accident cases (23 cases) and highest injuries (26), while Si Sa Ket had the highest fatal cases with six killed on the first day.

Mr Arkhom said on Dec 28 about 2.5 million people left Bangkok for the provinces on 750,000 vehicles, 10% lower than last year’s figures.

He said 65% of people leaving the capital on roads.

Transport officials have sought cooperation from truck operators to stop transporting cargoes by trucks during the seven-day road safety campaign to facilitate other vehicles travelling on roads.

Meanwhile, Deputy national police chief Pol General Srivara Rangsipramanakul, said Police nation wide have strict orders to clamp down on drunk drivers.

Pol General Srivara Rangsipramanakul said that this year the punishment for drunk driving became harsher.

Those found to be drunk driving will face a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to Bt20,000 and a six-month driver’s licence suspension. Those who caused an accident while drunk will face a jail term of one to five years, a fine of up to Bt100,000 and a one-year suspension of their driver’s licence.

If a crash involving a drunk driver led to a death, the drunk driver will face 3-10 years in jail, a Bt60,000-Bt200,000 fine and a life-long suspension of their driver’s licence.